NATCHEZ — Since 1816, the Natchez Children’s Home has served as a beacon of hope for at-risk youth.

And although its services have evolved throughout the years, its mission has remained the same.

“We’re here to help the children of southwest Mississippi,” said Nancy Hungerford, who has served as executive director of the Children’s Home since 1983. “Whether that’s through intervention, counseling, or something else — that’s what we’re here for.”

First conceived by a small group of Protestant women and named “The Female Charitable Society,” the Children’s Home has had many names. But, it has always received most of its funding from local churches and private donors.

Hungerford guessed the home moved to the six-acre plot at 806 North Union St., where it stands today, sometime around 1850.

“The story of the home is a phenomenal one,” Hungerford said. “These women, they weren’t even able to vote, but they were doing these really remarkable things to pave the way for social services back when that wasn’t even really a phrase.”

For several decades, the home served as a residential facility for neglected children. However, the home’s presence in the Miss-Lou community was limited.

“People knew (the home) was here and they would drive by it, but they were not invited to come in,” Hungerford said. “There was not a lot of community involvement with the children.”

Through encouraging residents to volunteer at the home, Hungerford said positive relationships began to blossom.

The largest challenge the home faces today, however, is adapting to laws set by the state for children to remain with their biological family, even if the parents prove abusive.

The concept of an orphanage, Hungerford said, is a thing of the past.

“Back in 2005, a lawsuit was lodged against the state department of human services in Mississippi by a group out of New York called Children’s Rights,” Hungerford explained. “Basically, they wanted to do away with congregate children’s care.”

This shift in residential services greatly impacted the Children’s Home. But, through partnering with Mississippi Children’s Home Services, a Jackson-based organization, Hungerford said the home has expanded immensely and now provides services for more than 100 children throughout Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, Claiborne and Wilkinson counties.

“We have 12,000 square feet on three floors with 144 windows and 12 bathrooms—all ready to offer great programs and services,” Hungerford said.

That includes a Children’s Advocacy Center, around-the-clock counseling, an in-house therapist, daily preschool programs and technology that allows families to consult with psychiatrists who specialize in family intervention.

“It is really different,” Hungerford said of the home’s new model. “But, our mission, in many ways, is exactly like it’s always been, and there are more great things to come.”

Marianna Vardaman, an outpatient therapist who has been working at the home for four months, said she’s already seen great strides and improvements in what the home offers.

“There have been a lot of little wins and big wins for the children here,” Vardaman said. “Partnering with the state has been a great help, because now we can offer services that families would have to otherwise drive to Jackson to get.”

Daily screenings for children who have experienced abuse or severe mental trauma is just one of the many services the home now provides.

“We’re thrilled that people can now walk in here and access that kind of professional help,” Hungerford said.

A fully staffed kitchen, several classrooms and a thrift store have also been added to the home’s repertoire.

“In my mind, this building is what God has provided for us, and we need to be good stewards of it,” Hungerford said. “So, we’re filling it up with services, and we need community support to keep it going.”

Thursday marks 199 years of service for the Children’s Home.

And just like the humble mission that began with a small group of women almost 200 years ago, Hungerford said she plans for the home to see many more milestones and accomplishments.

“The way I see it, the quicker we share God’s blessings, the quicker we’re blessed in return,” Hungerford said. “I plan for the Children’s Home to be here for a long time, and we need the community’s help to make that happen.”

For more information about the Children’s Home and to learn how to donate or volunteer, visit ntzchs.org, or call 601-442-6848.